Everton profit from David Moyes' flexible approach at Bolton

It has been his leitmotif in a reign of uncomplaining longevity and, after being inventive on the pitch, when a seemingly defensive change delivered victory against Bolton, he now needs to be as creative in the transfer market this week.

"When I took the job 500 games ago I knew there wasn't going to be lots and lots to spend," said the Everton manager. "I can't suddenly turn around and say, 'Hey, where's the cash?' because that wasn't in the agreement."

The Everton manager-cum-economist understands the realities of his finances. "If you don't have it, you can't spend it," Moyes added. "But if I have to have a bet on whether we will get someone in, then I would back myself to do it."

His premier central defender hopes that is the case. "We could do with at least one new face," said Phil Jagielka. For the second successive year striking reinforcements are a priority. Nikica Jelavic was a bargain in the last January sales but the one-touch finisher has lost his touch; his spot in the starting 11 could follow. A barren afternoon at Bolton extended his drought and he now has only three goals in 18 games.

His replacement by Johnny Heitinga was an unpopular decision. "The fans saw a striker coming off for a centre-half and that's why they were booing," Jagielka said. The makeshift midfielder delivered the winner and Moyes, permanently short of numbers, ruled out sanctioning the World Cup finalist's departure in the next few days. "I can't let Heitinga go," he said. "We are too short in central defence."

It is a familiar story. Alternatives are few and far between. Everton do not rotate in the FA Cup because, Jagielka argued, they cannot. "A lot of teams have decided to make wholesale changes but we don't have a massive squad," he added. "We couldn't make 10 changes and have 10 pairs of fresh legs for midweek." Instead their options come from their adaptability. Injuries can have a domino effect on Moyes' choices. With Seamus Coleman sidelined, Phil Neville was required at right-back and, in turn, Marouane Fellaini began as the anchor midfielder, producing what his manager described as "a mixed performance". With a winner required, however, Moyes reshuffled a flexible pack and Heitinga arrived to liberate the Belgian.

The question of where Fellaini is at his finest does not trouble Moyes. "Between the midfield and the attack," said the Scot, using old-fashioned shirt numbers to talk about his No25's role. "If you class it as a No4, 8 and 10, then he's probably going to be that No8 where he can get forward."

He was redeployed in the same minute Stuart Holden returned, the American making his first appearance at the Reebok Stadium for 22 months after horrific knee problems. He was granted a euphoric reception. "It was sweet," said the midfielder. "When I was coming on, I had goosebumps."

The Bolton public may have to savour the sight of Holden while they still can. His contract expires in the summer and another may not be forthcoming. "That's the least of his concerns," said his manager, Dougie Freedman. "Just getting back playing football is a delight for him. Let's strip it all down and remember the days when he used to play in the streets."